Page 66 of Flint's Arrow
“We match now,” Wren said softly.
Devon followed him out, wearing nice jeans and a button-down shirt similar to Arrow’s. He looked like a professor going to a faculty party - respectable but approachable.
“This was Pax’s idea,” Devon said, though his expression was fond as he watched his mate bounce around the room.
“A great idea.” Storm pulled Pax close, kissing the top of his head. “My baby wants to go dancing.”
“We all need to blow off steam sometimes.” Pax leaned into Storm’s bulk. “Plus, I wanted to show off my hot boyfriend.”
“Mate,” Storm corrected gently.
“Hot mate.” Pax grinned. “Even better. But in the club, you’re my boyfriend.”
They piled into Devon’s truck - the bear had bought a crew cab specifically to accommodate the group. Storm and Pax took the back seat with Flint and Arrow, although there was plenty of room because Pax thought sitting on Storm’s lap was the most comfortable seat. Wren took the front passenger seat, his hand resting on Devon’s knee.
The club in Big Sky wasn’t huge, but the music pumping through the walls promised a good time. They paid the cover charge and entered a world of flashing lights and pounding bass. The dance floor was already crowded, bodies moving in rhythm.
Flint hesitated at the edge of the floor, suddenly aware of how different they looked. Three small men in bright overalls, flanked by three larger mates who radiated protective energy.
“Come on.” Arrow took his hand, threading their fingers together. “Let’s dance.”
“I don’t really…”
“Neither do I.” Arrow smiled. “I used to spend too much time trying to look cool. We’ll figure it out together.”
Pax and Storm were already on the floor, moving together with surprising grace. Pax laughed as Storm spun him, his joy infectious. Wren tugged Devon out to join them, and suddenly Flint was being pulled along by Arrow.
The music thrummed through Flint’s bones, loud enough that conversation became impossible. Arrow kept hold of his hand, drawing him close as they found a rhythm. It wasn’t elegantor practiced, but Arrow moved with the same confidence he brought to everything else now - unafraid of looking foolish, focused only on having fun.
Flint let himself relax into it. Arrow’s hands found his hips, guiding their movement. Through the bond, Flint felt his mate’s happiness, the simple pleasure of being together in a space that demanded nothing but presence.
A guy tried to cut in, reaching for Flint’s shoulder. Arrow stepped smoothly between them, that “scary boss face” Pax had mentioned, sliding into place. The guy backed off without a word.
“Told you it works,” Pax shouted over the music, appearing at Flint’s elbow with Storm right behind him.
They danced as a group for a while, trading partners and laughing. Wren surprised everyone by being an excellent dancer, his body moving fluidly. Devon watched his mate with obvious pride and affection.
Between songs, they retreated to the bar. Arrow ordered water for all of them first - staying hydrated - then asked what everyone wanted to drink.
“Whiskey,” Flint said.
Arrow ordered top shelf without blinking, along with a beer for himself, something fruity for Pax, wine for Wren, and a bourbon for Storm. Devon stuck to water since he was driving.
They claimed a tall table near the edge of the dance floor, leaning close to hear each other over the music.
“This is fun!” Pax had to shout it, but his grin was huge. “We should do this more often.”
“Maybe once a month,” Devon suggested, sipping his water. “Give us all a chance to decompress.”
“I like it.” Storm clinked his glass against Pax’s. “Though I’m going to be sore tomorrow.”
“You’re a crocodile,” Arrow pointed out. “Don’t you sun yourself on rocks for hours?”
“That’s different.” Storm laughed. “That’s relaxing. This is active.”
Wren leaned into Devon’s side, his rainbow overalls catching the light. “I never got to do things like this before. Michael never let me out.”
The mood shifted slightly - they all knew Wren’s history. But Devon kissed his mate’s temple and pulled him closer.
